Free access to WiFi on trolleybuses in Lithuania

15 trolleybuses No.19 in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, have WiFi access which allows free connection to MEZON 4G Internet, WiMAX mobile technology. Passengers may connect to Internet via their laptop computers and mobile phones which are equipped with WiFi connection link. This service is free for all passengers, as well as those who are not subscribed to MEZON. The Company Vilniaus Troleibusai and Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre have reached an agreement regarding free WiFi access until 2012 after completion of the pilot project "Potential of 4G Mobile WiMAX Technology on the Public Transport". As Vidmantas Striška, Director General of Vilniaus Troleibusai, puts it: "During the pilot project we have found that WiFi connection is especially actively used by university and school students who even make a few laps en route while absorbing vastness of the Internet". According to him, growing popularity of smart phones increases demand for Internet access in various spaces, as well as on busses and trolleybuses. Vidmantas Striška is quite sure that people can simply take their smart phone from the bag and browse Internet, especially when their trip on the trolleybus takes a longer time. To top it all, as WiFi service is free on trolleybuses, many people are going to use it. Mindaugas Kuprys, WiMAX Project Manager of Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre, highlights that a number of passengers on a trolleybus may connect to the MEZON 4G Mobile Internet simultaneously, besides, they can quickly send large data streams. Within the period of 5 months of the pilot project, data amounting to over 24 million of megabytes was sent, which equates to downloading almost 12 thousand DVD movies. According to the expert, as communication technologies develop so rapidly, broad band mobile Internet can be used not only for personal needs but for social ones as well: expand access to the Internet, promptly respond in respect of medical care and public safety fields. "Lithuania is the first Member State in the EU that has implemented 4G mobile WiMAX, and it has a real possibility to use the advanced technology for the benefit of the society", Mindaugas Kuprys states. During the pilot project, trolleybuses of Vilnius were equipped not only with WiFi, but also with video cameras which were transmitting the real-time view to the dispatcher office. Furthermore, trolleybus drivers could push the alarm button which allowed instant voice contact with the dispatcher, who could see streaming video of what was happening on a trolleybus and could immediately take particular measures. The authorities of Vilnius Municipality have not taken a decision regarding use of mobile connection potential for safety insurance on the public transport yet. Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre started providing services of MEZON 4G Mobile Internet on 3rd March 2009. WiMAX network has already been established in all biggest cities of Lithuania and in more than 50 other towns and settlements as well. It can be used by more than 60% of residents of Lithuania. The network is expanded on a constant basis. Lithuanian Radio and Television Centre has been a member of WiMAX Forum since 2004. In 2010, the company was awarded the "Innovation Prize" and became the winner of competition "Made in Lithuania".